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Sheehan MJ, Vosburgh DJH, O'Shaughnessy PT, Park JH, Sotelo C. Direct-reading instruments for aerosols: A review for occupational health and safety professionals part 2: Applications. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2022; 19:706-729. [PMID: 36197433 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2132256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Direct reading instruments (DRIs) for aerosols have been used in industrial hygiene practice for many years, but their potential has not been fully realized by many occupational health and safety professionals. Although some DRIs quantify other metrics, this article will primarily focus on DRIs that measure aerosol number, size, or mass. This review addresses three applications of aerosol DRIs that occupational health and safety professionals can use to discern, characterize, and document exposure conditions and resolve aerosol-related problems in the workplace. The most common application of aerosol DRIs is the evaluation of engineering controls. Examples are provided for many types of workplaces and situations including construction, agriculture, mining, conventional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing (nanoparticle technology and additive manufacturing), and non-industrial sites. Aerosol DRIs can help identify the effectiveness of existing controls and, as needed, develop new strategies to reduce potential aerosol exposures. Aerosol concentration mapping (ACM) using DRI data can focus attention on emission sources in the workplace spatially illustrate the effectiveness of controls and constructively convey concerns to management and workers. Examples and good practices of ACM are included. Video Exposure Monitoring (VEM) is another useful technique in which video photography is synced with the concentration output of an aerosol DRI. This combination allows the occupational health and safety professional to see what tasks, environmental situations, and/or worker actions contribute to aerosol concentration and potential exposure. VEM can help identify factors responsible for temporal variations in concentration. VEM can assist with training, engage workers, convince managers about necessary remedial actions, and provide for continuous improvement of the workplace environment. Although using DRIs for control evaluation, ACM and VEM can be time-consuming, the resulting information can provide useful data to prompt needed action by employers and employees. Other barriers to adoption include privacy and security issues in some worksites. This review seeks to provide information so occupational health and safety professionals can better understand and effectively use these powerful applications of aerosol DRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura J Sheehan
- Department of Health, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania
| | - Donna J H Vosburgh
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Safety & Health, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin
| | | | - Jae Hong Park
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Yin XH, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Nanoparticles: Excellent Materials Yet Dangerous When They Become Airborne. TOXICS 2022; 10:50. [PMID: 35202237 PMCID: PMC8874650 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the rise and rapid development of nanoscale science and technology in the late 1980s, nanomaterials have been widely used in many areas including medicine, electronic products, crafts, textiles, and cosmetics, which have provided a lot of convenience to people's life. However, while nanomaterials have been fully utilized, their negative effects, also known as nano pollution, have become increasingly apparent. The adverse effects of nanomaterials on the environment and organisms are mainly based on the unique size and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs). NPs, as the basic unit of nanomaterials, generally refer to the ultrafine particles whose spatial scale are defined in the range of 1-100 nm. In this review, we mainly introduce the basic status of the types and applications of NPs, airborne NP pollution, and the relationship between airborne NP pollution and human diseases. There are many sources of airborne NP pollutants, including engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and non-engineered nanoparticles (NENPs). The NENPs can be further divided into those generated from natural activities and those produced by human activities. A growing number of studies have found that exposure to airborne NP pollutants can cause a variety of illnesses, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. To deal with the ever increasing numbers and types of NPs being unleashed to the air, we believe that extensive research is needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of NP pollution hazards and their impact mechanisms. Only in this way can we find the best solution and truly protect the safety and quality of life of human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Yin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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Kim BW, Cha W, Choi S, Shin J, Choi BS, Kim M. Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Indium Dust for Indium-Tin-Oxide Manufacturing Workers. Biomolecules 2021; 11:419. [PMID: 33809058 PMCID: PMC7998774 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to recent research, indium nanoparticles (NPs) are more toxic than micro-sized particles. While cases of indium lung disease have been reported worldwide, very little research has been conducted on the occupational exposure to indium NPs. Recently, an indium-related lung disease was reported in Korea, a global powerhouse for display manufacturing. In this study, we conducted an assessment ofoccupational exposure at an indium tin oxide (ITO) powder manufacturing plant, where the first case of indium lung disease in Korea occurred. Airborne dustwas obtained from a worker's breathing zone, and area sampling in the workplace environment was conducted using real-time monitoring devices. Personal samples were analyzed for the indium concentrations in total dust, respirable dust fraction, and NPs using personal NPs respiratory deposition samplers. The total indium concentration of the personal samples was lower than the threshold limit value recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH TLV), which was set as occupational exposure limit (OEL). However, the respirable indium concentration exceeded the recently set ACGIH TLV for the respirable fraction of indium dust. The concentration of indium NPs ranged between 0.003 and 0.010 × 10-2 mg/m3, accounting for only 0.4% of the total and 2.7% of the respirable indium particles. This was attributed to the aggregating of NPs at the µm sub-level. Given the extremely low fraction of indium NPs in the total and respirable dust, the current OEL values, set as the total and respirable indium concentrations, do not holistically represent the occupational exposure to indium NPs or prevent health hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to set separate OEL values for indium NPs. This study covers only the process of handling ITO powder. Therefore, follow-up studies need to be conducted on other ITO sputtering target polishing and milling processes, which typically generate more airborne NPs, to further investigate the effects of indium on workers and facilitate the necessary implementation of indium-reducing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boo Wook Kim
- Institute of Occupation and Environment, Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, Incheon 21417, Korea; (W.C.); (S.C.); (J.S.); (B.-S.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Miyeon Kim
- Institute of Occupation and Environment, Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, Incheon 21417, Korea; (W.C.); (S.C.); (J.S.); (B.-S.C.)
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Jørgensen RB, Kero IT. Real-Time Measurements and Characterization of Airborne Particulate Matter from a Primary Silicon Carbide Production Plant. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14121611. [PMID: 29261158 PMCID: PMC5751027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry is a known health hazard. The aims of this study were to elucidate whether the particulate matter generated inside the Acheson furnace during active operation is representative of the overall particulate matter in the furnace hall, and whether the Acheson furnaces are the main sources of ultrafine particles (UFP) in primary SiC production. The number concentration of ultrafine particles was evaluated using an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPITM, Dekati Ltd., Tampere, Finland), a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPSTM, TSI, Shoreview, MN, USA) and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC, TSI, Shoreview, MN, USA). The results are discussed in terms of particle number concentration, particle size distribution and are also characterized by means of electron microscopy (TEM/SEM). Two locations were investigated; the industrial Acheson process furnace hall and a pilot furnace hall; both of which represent an active operating furnace. The geometric mean of the particle number concentration in the Acheson process furnace hall was 7.7 × 104 particles/cm3 for the UFP fraction and 1.0 × 105 particles/cm3 for the submicrometre fraction. Particulate matter collected at the two sites was analysed by electron microscopy. The PM from the Acheson process furnace hall is dominated by carbonaceous particles while the samples collected near the pilot furnace are primarily rich in silicon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Bramming Jørgensen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ida Teresia Kero
- Department of Industrial Process Technology, SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, P.O. Box. 4760, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway.
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González-Gálvez D, Janer G, Vilar G, Vílchez A, Vázquez-Campos S. The Life Cycle of Engineered Nanoparticles. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 947:41-69. [PMID: 28168665 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47754-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The first years in the twenty-first century have meant the inclusion of nanotechnology in most industrial sectors, from very specific sensors to construction materials. The increasing use of nanomaterials in consumer products has raised concerns about their potential risks for workers, consumers and the environment. In a comprehensive risk assessment or life cycle assessment, a life cycle schema is the starting point necessary to build up the exposure scenarios and study the processes and mechanisms driving to safety concerns. This book chapter describes the processes that usually occur at all the stages of the life cycle of the nano-enabled product, from the nanomaterial synthesis to the end-of-life of the products. Furthermore, release studies reported in literature related to these processes are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Gálvez
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Gemma Janer
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Gemma Vilar
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Alejandro Vílchez
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
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Kero IT, Jørgensen RB. Comparison of Three Real-Time Measurement Methods for Airborne Ultrafine Particles in the Silicon Alloy Industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E871. [PMID: 27598180 PMCID: PMC5036704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13090871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the applicability and the correlation between three commercially available instruments capable of detection, quantification, and characterization of ultrafine airborne particulate matter in the industrial setting of a tapping area in a silicon alloy production plant. The number concentration of ultrafine particles was evaluated using an Electric Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI(TM)), a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS(TM)), and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC). The results are discussed in terms of particle size distribution and temporal variations linked to process operations. The instruments show excellent temporal covariation and the correlation between the FMPS and ELPI is good. The advantage of the FMPS is the excellent time- and size resolution of the results. The main advantage of the ELPI is the possibility to collect size-fractionated samples of the dust for subsequent analysis by, for example, electron microscopy. The CPC does not provide information about the particle size distribution and its correlation to the other two instruments is somewhat poor. Nonetheless, the CPC gives basic, real-time information about the ultrafine particle concentration and can therefore be used for source identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Teresia Kero
- Department of Industrial Process, Technology SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, P.O. Box. 4760, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Rikke Bramming Jørgensen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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Jørgensen RB, Buhagen M, Føreland S. Personal exposure to ultrafine particles from PVC welding and concrete work during tunnel rehabilitation. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:467-73. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Kreider ML, Cyrs WD, Tosiano MA, Panko JM. Evaluation of Quantitative Exposure Assessment Method for Nanomaterials in Mixed Dust Environments: Application in Tire Manufacturing Facilities. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Kim D, Hwang YI, Choi S, Park C, Lee N, Kim EA. A case of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma in a worker exposed to rubber fumes. Ann Occup Environ Med 2013; 25:22. [PMID: 24472110 PMCID: PMC3923329 DOI: 10.1186/2052-4374-25-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary tracheal tumors occur infrequently, accounting for less than 0.1% of all tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is the second most common type of malignancy of the trachea after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Little has been reported on the risk factors for tracheal ACC. The purpose of this study is to describe a case of tracheal ACC in a patient who had been exposed to rubber fumes, and to review the relationship between tracheal ACC and rubber fumes. Case report A 48-year-old man who had been experiencing aggravation of dyspnea for several months was diagnosed as having ACC of the trachea on the basis of a pathologic examination of a biopsy specimen obtained via laser microscopy-guided resection. The patient had been exposed to rubber fumes for 10 years at a tire manufacturing factory where he worked until ACC was diagnosed. His job involved preheating and changing rubber molds during the curing process. Conclusion ACC of both the trachea and the salivary glands show very similar patterns with regard to histopathology and epidemiology and are therefore assumed to have a common etiology. Rubber manufacturing is an occupational risk factor for the development of salivary gland tumors. Further, rubber fumes have been reported to be mutagenic. The exposure level to rubber fumes during the curing process at the patient’s workplace was estimated to be close to or higher than British Occupational Exposure Limits. Therefore, tracheal ACC in this case might have been influenced by occupational exposure to rubber fumes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eun-A Kim
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, KOSHA, Incheon, Korea.
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